Cabinet withdraws social security cuts as unions return to talks
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The government has abandoned its planned austerity measures for unemployment and disability benefits, a retreat that was sufficient to bring labor unions back to the negotiating table. While the cabinet insists its desire for reform remains, its immediate priority is the budget; support for several key proposals now appears secured, provided the ministers move one step at a time.
A new tax advantage for the wealthiest citizens is scheduled for 2028, though the approximately 12 billion euro price tag will be largely covered by those with more modest savings. In the provinces, the coalition in Gelderland has entered a crisis after members of the BBB voted against their own nitrogen policy, a rare instance of a party finding its own platform objectionable.
Police investigating the violence in Overasselt have made three new arrests and recovered more firearms. Separately, a young hacker already linked to the ShinyHunters collective is now suspected of having used his skills to solicit two murders.